The Ensemble loves to unearth forgotten composers and rediscover unknown historical chamber versions of the classics. In this Beethoven and Haydn program, they present two rare chamber versions of the works by Beethoven and Haydn.

Also on the program are the Flute Quartet in D minor by Ferdinand Ries and the String Sextet Op. 13 No. 1 in E flat major by Albrechtsberger, both lesser known contemporaries of Haydn and Beethoven. Albrechtsberger was an early teacher of Beethoven, who introduced him to his student, colleague, and copyist Ferdinand Ries.

The 18th century arrangement of Beethoven’s masterwork, penned by Masi and featuring string quintet, flute and double bass, was discovered by ensemble members in the British Library’s rare music collection.

Haydn’s well-known Trauer (Mourning) Symphony was arranged for chamber ensemble by Dr Charles Hague (1768-1821), a professor of music of Cambridge. The symphony was so named because Haydn requested that the slow movement be played at his own funeral.